City of Cape Town Link

Know your water regulations

<div class="ExternalClass497BA1392CDF4A069B46BE6F6A3B333E"><p>Help us protect our water resources and the environment by understanding our water regulations, and make sure your household or business is working with us to conserve water, dispose of wastewater safely, and maintain our stormwater system and water courses. </p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Our regulations and by-laws</h2></span> <p>Our permanent water-saving regulations and important by-laws encourage water-saving, and protect our natural water sources and manmade water systems. <br></p><p> <b>The Water By-law</b><br> Our Water By-law encourages <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/saving-water">water-saving</a> as a way of life, regulates water use and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Submit-a-certificate-of-compliance-of-water-installation">plumbing installations</a>, and allows for <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/water-restrictions-explained">water restrictions</a> when necessary. If you contravene the Water By-law, we have the right to issue a fine, take legal action against you, and restrict or disconnect your water.<br></p><p>For more information read through the official gazetted version of the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Water%20By-law%202010.pdf" target="_blank">Water By-law (2010)</a>, and the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Water%20Amendment%20By-law%202018.pdf" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Water Amendment By-law (2018)</a>. Alternatively, read through the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Water%20By-law%20_summary_guideline_%20A5.pdf" target="_blank">Summary Guide </a>of the By-law, or the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Unofficial_Consolidated_Water_By-law_2010_2018.pdf" target="_blank">unofficial combined version</a>, which includes the 2018 amendments for ease of reference.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Restrictions<br></h4><p><strong>Water restrictions are not in effect, since 1 November 2020. </strong>Adhere to the permanent regulations and by-laws, and use water responsibly. If we can collectively use less than 850 million litres per day in Cape Town over the 2022-2023 summer, we can reduce the risk of restrictions.<br></p></div></div></span> <h4>The Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law<br></h4><p> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Wastewater%20and%20Industrial%20Effluent%20By-law%202013.pdf" target="_blank">The Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law (2013)</a> regulates the disposal of wastewater and industrial effluent, to protect Cape Town's sewer reticulation system, wastewater treatment plants and the environment. It gives our officials power to take action against people who contravene the by-law.</p><h4>The Treated Effluent By-law</h4><p> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Treated%20Effluent%20By-law.pdf" target="_blank">The Treated Effluent By-law (2010)</a> and <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Treated%20Effluent%20Amendment%20By-law%202015.pdf" target="_blank">amendment (2015)</a> regulate the supply and use of treated effluent. Treated effluent is water recycled from wastewater treatment works, and is used for irrigation or industrial purposes.</p><h4>Stormwater Management By- law </h4><p>The <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Stormwater%20Management%20By-law.pdf" target="_blank">Stormwater Management By- law (2005) </a>regulates activities that may have a detrimental effect on the development, operation or maintenance of the stormwater system in Cape Town. Our stormwater system drains the city and prevents disruption and inconvenience to everyday life activities during rain events. It also helps with the management of flooding. Our system is an extensive network of built infrastructure, such as pipes and culverts, as well as natural systems such as rivers and wetlands. </p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Our policies and strategies</h2></span> <p>We have a number of important policies and strategies that guide the provision of water and sanitation in Cape Town. <br></p><ul><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Cape%20Town%20Water%20Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">Cape Town Water Strategy</a></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Water%20Services%20Development%20Plan.pdf" target="_blank">The Water Services Development Plan (WSDP)</a><br></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/WS%20Business%20Plan_SDBIP%202019_20.pdf" target="_blank">Water and Sanitation Departmental Business Plan 2019/20</a></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/WCWDM_Strategy_doc.pdf" target="_blank">Water Conservation and Demand Management Strategy</a> </li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Service%20Guidelines%20and%20Standards_for_Water_and_Sanitation_CCT%20%28Vers%203%202%29.pdf" target="_blank">Water and Sanitation Engineering Standards and Guidelines </a></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Agreements%20and%20contracts/Consumer%20Service%20Charter%202014-15_a.pdf" target="_blank">Consumer Service Charter</a> </li></ul><p><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/city-council/policies-by-laws-and-publications" target="_blank">Water and Sanitation policies and by-laws</a>.<br></p><p><br></p>

Learn about Cape Town’s water by-laws and make sure your household and business adheres to them.

CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (Afrikaans)	CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (Afrikaans)	584338	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-06-07T22:00:00Z
CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (English)	CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (English)	615886	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2019-08-01T10:00:00Z
CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (isiXhosa)	CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (isiXhosa)	582512	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2022-01-04T22:00:00Z
Installation of Alternative Water Systems Guidelines (2021)	Installation of Alternative Water Systems Guidelines (2021)	1907077	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-03-15T22:00:00Z
Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (Afrikaans)	Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (Afrikaans)	460201	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2022-01-04T22:00:00Z
Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (English)	Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (English)	401804	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-03-15T22:00:00Z
Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (isiXhosa)	Summary Guide to Installation of Alternative Water Systems (isiXhosa)	456212	GP0\|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0\|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52\|Guideline summary;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2022-01-05T10:00:00Z
Treated Effluent Amendment By-law	Treated Effluent Amendment By-law	319654	GP0\|#d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284;L0\|#0d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284\|By-law;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2015-06-30T22:00:00Z
Treated Effluent By-law	Treated Effluent By-law	342220	GP0\|#d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284;L0\|#0d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284\|By-law;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2009-09-30T22:00:00Z
Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law	Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law	2015433	GP0\|#d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284;L0\|#0d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284\|By-law;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2006-04-30T22:00:00Z
Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Strategy (2014/15 Review)	Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Strategy (2014/15 Review)	1882171	GP0\|#bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59;L0\|#0bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59\|Strategy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2018-02-09T10:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (Afrikaans)	Water Use Regulations (Afrikaans)	78852	GP0\|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0\|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b\|Regulation;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2023-02-12T22:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (English)	Water Use Regulations (English)	92445	GP0\|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0\|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b\|Regulation;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2023-02-12T22:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (Xhosa)	Water Use Regulations (Xhosa)	78791	GP0\|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0\|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b\|Regulation;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2023-02-13T10:00:00Z
Water and Sanitation Consumer Service Charter Declaration	Water and Sanitation Consumer Service Charter Declaration	1669057	GP0\|#255c73a6-7d1a-45e0-b69b-3eaf8e4ccbdf;L0\|#0255c73a6-7d1a-45e0-b69b-3eaf8e4ccbdf\|Declaration;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#45cfb7bc-c332-4e18-a638-3fa94d09d8ed;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2024-04-03T22:00:00Z
Water and Sanitation Service Guidelines and Regulations	Water and Sanitation Service Guidelines and Regulations	3624796	GP0\|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0\|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b\|Regulation;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2019-06-19T22:00:00Z